In my case, imaging is supported by ShadowProtect, and data backup by MS SyncToy. Why? SP is reliable and is the fastest from other image backups software I've tested in the past. MS SyncToy - is free. Both are and very handy.
@Page You could have kept the option of choosing multiple imaging software as many of us have multiple pcs and so may use multiple backup solutions. Anyways, I use Drive Snapshot because it's so light, fast and awesome.
Hey Creer, Thanks for voting and commenting! The last such poll was one you created on Aug 19, 2009! I referenced it for a good portion of this poll.
+1. It's excellent software which is, admittedly, relatively expensive. However, the high(er) initial price is mitigated, at least to some degree, by the fact that SC offers an annual maintenance plan.
Interesting poll, but I can't help wondering what conclusions can be drawn from the relative "popularity" of any particular backup/imaging software. I'd be willing to bet that, amongst the general public if not here, it would be less a reflection of true merit than of advertising and promotion.
Macrium Reflect free. The reason, if an old man like me can figure out how to use it, then anyone can. I add an image to a created partition whenever I change something in C drive. I also add an image to USB drive. Am open to suggestions as to any other alternatives regarding Macrium.
Good point, Arvy. But here at Wilders, as you've indicated, the choices made by members would have more to do with performance and reputation and things of that nature, as opposed to advertising... which also caused me to ask why a particular software has been chosen.
Awesome response, lws! I can see your reasoning being incorporated into future polls... What [fill in the blank] software do you use and how old are you?
It would be nice if we could have more than one answer. I regularly use : R-Drive Image ATI Home 2011 Drive Snapshot IFW.
I voted Paragon Why? Free, Not heavy on the system, User friendly, No services or startup entries running all the time, Lots of features, Always works. Never had a problem while using Paragon Backup & Recovery
Tsk, tsk! Such ageism! Some of us young pups aren't great fans of needless complexity either. I'm only 70 and I also chose Macrium Reflect because of its simple, clear, straightforward user interface and documentation that is actually readable and comprehensible. Well, that plus the fact that it cooperates with Windows shadow service imaging to do its own singular job well, rather than installing and leaving behind a bunch of extraneous device class filters like some others that shall be nameless here -- by me anyhow. The fact that Macrium accepts Paypal also helped my decision a tiny bit (StorageCraft doesn't) as I'm very reluctant to use credit cards on line.
On my latest laptops, I use and trust IFW/IFL/IFD because of reliability, speed, very reasonably priced, can use on up to 3 PCs, great support from Wilders and of course Terabyte Unlimited. Gary
Macrium Reflect Complete Edition 4.2 Because it just works period, everytime. Never have I been letdown when I needed it the most.
ShadowProtect Desktop, reliable and fast. In many years now it never failed a restore in fact I don't even bother anymore to validate the integrity of my images, it just works. The price is steep though, and for a new license I would probably try Macrium or IFW.
Hi Page42, Thanks for the poll. Wouldn't it be a good idea to give the link for the programs you listed? The Wilders forum is for both experts and newbies, and everyone between those categories . It would also be nice when voters would tell which version number of their preferred program they use, and on which Operating System and its version (example: Win 7 64-bit).
I voted Windows Built-in since I am currently using Windows Backup and Restore on Win7 after having removed Acronis 2012 free trial. Although I have used ATI for a long time, and still use it on my XP box, I was completely put off by the difficulty encountered in just removing the newer version trial. As a result, I have decided to look for another backup/imaging program. The native Windows programs seemed like a good alternative, at least while I investigate other options. I went looking for a backup/imaging poll in order to gather some opinions and found that the most recent one was from 3 years ago!
Hmmmm. And now I see that v5 is out. Any feed back on that? Sometimes all it takes is one version change to mess up a good thing.
Well the way I see it "If it ain't broke... " 4.2 works flawlessly here on Xp home 32-bit, I see no need to upgrade.